BEAM Open Today for Tests

BEAM, the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module, is pictured installed on the Tranquility module and expanded to its full-size volume.

BEAM, the new expandable module attached to the International Space Station, was opened up today for tests and equipment checks. The Expedition 49 crew also explored eating right in space, adapting to new technology and studied a variety of other life science and physics research.

Japanese astronaut Takuya Onishi started an 11-day run today to document his meals while wearing a monitor that will take water samples and measure his breathing. The ENERGY experiment will help doctor’s understand metabolism in space and ensure astronauts are properly nourished to maintain the energy required for a long-term mission. Onishi is also continuing to set up the Group Combustion fuel burning study and checked for pressure leaks in the experiment gear.

The crew can move freely between the modules. The U.S., Russia, Japan and Europe have built modules that provide cargo storage, living space and research facilities. Canada developed the 57.7 foot robotic arm that can capture spaceships and maneuver spacewalkers among other tasks. The host space agencies have control centers that monitor numerous systems including life support and science inside their modules. Other nations have also contributed to the development of the International Space Station. https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/cooperation/index.html